WOLFIT

[Sir Donald Wolfit, Shakespearian actor-manager.] Typed Letter Signed to W. J. Macqueen-Pope regarding the success of his Shakespeare tour; with carbon TL of MP’s reply, giving a synopsis of his planned play about Edmund Kean, with Wolfit to star.

Author: 
Sir Donald Wolfit [formerly Woolfitt] (1902-1968), English Shakespearian actor-manager; Walter James Macqueen-Pope (1888-1960), theatre historian [Edmund Kean (1787-1833), actor]
Publication details: 
Wolfit’s TLS: 25 February 1943; on letterhead of ‘Donald Wolfit / Shakespeare Tour’, with typed current address Wharfenden House, Frimley Green. Carbon TL of MP’s response, 26 February 1943.
£56.00

From the Macqueen-Pope papers. See the two men’s entries in the Oxford DNB. Ronald Harwood’s play and film ‘The Dresser’ are based on his experiences working in that position for Wolfit. From the Macqueen-Pope archive. The two items lightly aged and in fair condition, the first with a little rust spotting to one corner from a paperclip. In Item Two MP describes in detail his plans for a play about the nineteenth-century actor Edmund Kean, with Wolfit clearly envisaged in the leading role.

[?I feel his animosity so strongly.? Sir Donald Wolfit complains about the News Chronicle theatre critic Alan Dent.] Autograph Letter Signed (?Donald?) to the theatre critic W. J. Macqueen-Pope (?Popie?), explaining why he is barring Dent.

Author: 
Sir Donald Wolfit (1902-1968), English Shakespearian actor-manager [W. J. MacQueen-Pope [Walter James MacQueen-Pope] (1888-1960), theatre historian; Alan Holmes Dent (1905-1978), Scottish critic]
Publication details: 
4 November 1948. On his letterhead, from the New Theatre, Hull.
£45.00

See the entries on author and recipient in the Oxford DNB. The subject of the letter Alan Dent, began his career as a prot?g? of James Agate. Although a somewhat histrionic figure, Wolfit's reputation rivalled that of Gielgud and Olivier, and his influence was acknowledged by both Harold Pinter and Peter O?Toole, and Ronald Harwood based his play and film ?The Dresser? on him. 1p, 4to. In fair condition, on lightly-aged and wrinkled paper, with slight nick to bottom-right, and evidence of paper clip. Folded once.

Syndicate content